Modern Versus Traditional Views in Chaim Potok’s The Chosen :: Potok Chosen Essays

sophisticated Versus Traditional Views in Chaim Potoks The Chosen Chaim Potoks The Chosen shows how people with traditional ideas view the world differently than those with current ideas. For example, David Malter has modern views of his faith, whereas maverick Saunders can non let go of traditional practices. Also, freedom fighter Saunders and David Malter have different methods of height their children. Finally, David Malter believes in Zionism, whereas Reb Saunders lacks to wait for the coming of the Messiah to preserve his religion. such differences can cause similar faiths to seem very different. David Malters modern ideas conflict with Reb Saunderss traditional practices. For example, David Malter wants his son, Reuven, to use up English subjects and become a mathematician. However, a Jewish school established by Reb Saunders teaches the minimum required English subjects. Reb wishes for Danny to become a rabbi and carry a tradition in which the ol dest son becomes a rabbi and the leader of the sect. These opposing views are carried out in all other aspects of the religious sects in which these work force lead. The way in which Reb Saunders and David Malter raise their children reflect the conflict amid tradition and modernity in this story. David Malter raises Reuven with a modern approach. He encourages Reuven to learn about the modern world as well as shield on to his religion. Reb Saunders to shelter Danny from modern ideas. With the exception of teaching Danny about the Talmud, he raises Danny in silence. He has his own reasons for raising Danny this way. I did not want to drive him away from God, but I did not want him to grow up a mind without a soul (Page 266). Reb Saunders raises his son through a tradition that has been in his family for a colossal time. However, he accomplishes his goal. His method of raising his son is dramatically different from David Malters modern practice. The results are a lso different. Danny has gone through much to a greater extent pain and suffering than Reuven, and he chooses to carry on this practice if he must. Modernity and tradition present in the different ideas of these men influences the lives and ideas of their children as well.